Members Minnie The Moocher Posted June 10, 2011 Members Share Posted June 10, 2011 I've been looking for an Epiphone Riviera for years - the "stock" model, so Mini hums and frequensator needed - but those are really rare on the second hand market, and often too expensive, even the korean ones. So, as I was satisfied with a recent wilshire '66 "worn" reissue (nice axe except the mini hums, nothing close to the real mini hums), I decided to give a try to a made in china Riviera "limited edition". She's here since yesterday: First surprise: the finish is flawless, and the nice see-thru poly varnish let see a very beautifull table - it almost looks like nitro. Second good surprise: I was waiting for cheap ceramic mini hums, instead I get alnico waxpotted ones, with enamel wire. Most important, it translates beautifully to the plugged-in tone: biting (but not in a harsh way), warm and articulate - all I was hoping for. After my own setup (factory setup was good btw but I always set a guitar to my specifications) and fresh strings, the guitar plays nicely, the fretwork is perfect, there's no buzz, the tone and volume pots are working smoothly (no "ON/OFF" syndrom) and I really love the feeling the frequensator gives, especially on the bass strings. "Made in china" won't never be a problem for me anymore, quality-wise and as long as it concers Epi semi-solids: I'm sold. Isn't it a beauty? Mamb72WsFng Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members BB123 Posted June 10, 2011 Members Share Posted June 10, 2011 It is. HNGD! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members richey888 Posted June 10, 2011 Members Share Posted June 10, 2011 Your usual excellent clippang is anticipated Mooch. What a beauty! My friend hasa '66 and I have been trying to buy that axe for many a year. HNGD! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members hardtdc Posted June 10, 2011 Members Share Posted June 10, 2011 She's gorgeous. I love the look of Epi archtops. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members newbuilder Posted June 10, 2011 Members Share Posted June 10, 2011 335 style is likely my next axe...nice guitar! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members humbuckerstrat Posted June 10, 2011 Members Share Posted June 10, 2011 That is a beauty, HNGD! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members lowbrow Posted June 10, 2011 Members Share Posted June 10, 2011 Gorgeous! Congrats! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Brian Krashpad Posted June 10, 2011 Members Share Posted June 10, 2011 Nom! Congrats! (o)(o) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members jhamnett Posted June 10, 2011 Members Share Posted June 10, 2011 Really sweet, HNGD! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members BoneNut Posted June 10, 2011 Members Share Posted June 10, 2011 Fantastic guitars and yours has a gorgeous color and finish. Congrats!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Minnie The Moocher Posted June 10, 2011 Author Members Share Posted June 10, 2011 Here's a little video - I keep it simple to try to show the guitar's tone, I'm just noodling around on my Fender SXCXD: Mamb72WsFng Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members WRGKMC Posted June 10, 2011 Members Share Posted June 10, 2011 My second guitar I owned back in 1970 was an original 60s Riviera like that. I bought used for $50 and sold it for $300 after I bought my Gold top Deluxe les Paul around 1975 for $300. Great guitar. Wish I still had it. The neck was a really thin D shaped neck with fast action. The Casino became popular because the Betles used them. The Riviera was an upscale model to the casino and a much better build.Its been a sleeper for a good 40 years and they only started remaking reissues in the past 5 years or so. I dont know what the quality of the reissues are but I eventually want to try them out. My Dot doesn come close in comparison. I think the Original Casinos listed for $325 and the Rivieras listed for $375 The main differences are the Casion was a hollowbody built simular to a violin. The riviera has a wood plank down the middel like a Dot or ES335. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members sk8centilli Posted June 10, 2011 Members Share Posted June 10, 2011 woo hoo! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members j*h Posted June 10, 2011 Members Share Posted June 10, 2011 looks great!congrats! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members vintage clubber Posted June 10, 2011 Members Share Posted June 10, 2011 very nice! congrats! I don't like that weird tailpiece though - it looks like a total pain in the ass for re-stringing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Minnie The Moocher Posted June 10, 2011 Author Members Share Posted June 10, 2011 very nice! congrats! I don't like that weird tailpiece though - it looks like a total pain in the ass for re-stringing! Actually no, way easier than a bigsby for an exemple. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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